We invite a positive response
from others when we are positive
ourselves, so we might even end
up feeling as bright as our initial
outward display.
However, outdoor mode switches
off after 15 minutes so it doesn’t
drain your battery (or damage
your eyes). We can likely last a tad
longer in our bright mode, but it is
important to be our authentic selves
too. Spending time with people
where it’s okay for your light to be
as dim as it needs to be is vital.
Which is why it’s a good idea to...wellness
24 CalmMoment.com
Brighten your display
We can adjust the brightness on
our phones to adapt to specific
situations. For example, outdoor
mode boosts a phone’s brightness
temporarily so it can be read easily
in bright sunlight.
We also show the brightest side of
ourselves to the world when out and
about or trying to make a good first
impression. And this is no bad thing.
“Trying to look, act and perhaps
even dress like the person you want
to be is an affirmation in action,”
says psychotherapist Gael
Lindenfield, who explains that she
got into the habit of displaying the
person that she wanted to be while
growing up in children’s homes.talk about themselves), then it’s
okay to move on.
“Our personalities change as we
age and so do the things and people
that feed them,” explains Gael.
“Some people moan about some
friends, but don’t discard them or
spend less time with them. But
sometimes, that’s what is needed.
By re-evaluating our friendship
network every so often, we can
focus on the people who nourish us.
“First, identify the connections
that matter most, then spend more
time than you think you can afford
on them.”Check your connections
Some friends are like Wi-Fi: they
are reliable, usually there for you
and feel like home. Others may be
more like mobile data – the kind you
tap into when you’re out and about
having fun. Both are valuable, and
knowing which is which can keep
our expectations of friends realistic.
“Many people become frustrated
and lonely when they expect
nurturing from people who cannot
or will not give it to them,” says
Gael. “This can stop us appreciating
all the other positive qualities they
can offer.”
However, if it becomes hard to see
the positive qualities (perhaps some
friends only come to you when they
are in need of something, or always